Tackling One-Pagers (Part 2)

With a good one-pager, you've got it made in the shade

Please review Part 1 in my previous post before proceeding with this post so we're all on the same page (pun intended, snicker, snicker).

A one-pager basically contains the same information a query letter would include, and should answer the following questions:

1. What qualifies you to write this book? (Your platform; keep your bio BRIEF - they can and will look up your website if they're interested so no need to list it all here.)

2. What is the book about? (Short synopsis: make it interesting and craft a killer hook first sentence.)

3. What's the basic pub info? (Word count, page count - approximate if book isn't completed, genre, bookstore category, completion status - how much longer will it take?, format, endorsements.)

4. Who is your audience? (Age, gender, special interests - do your homework and be specific!)

5. Why will this book be marketable? (What makes it stand above the rest of the pack?)

6. How will you assist in marketing? (Outline your marketing plan, and it should include numbers - your current social media followers and how you intend to market to them.)

Obviously, since all of this is to be included on ONE  page, each question should be answered in one paragraph if possible, two at the most. Write tight and keep the emphasis on the book, not on you.

One-pagers are valuable PR ammo and should be created with extreme care. They often open doors to book contracts. Make no mistake: This is your audition with this agent or publisher and your first impression COUNTS. If it doesn't pique their interest, it will be the only sample of your writing they will ever see.

You have one shot ... make it count!